All girls (3rd-8th grade) and boys (4th-8th grade) currently enrolled at Blessed Sacrament School are welcome to participate in Blessed Sacrament’s volleyball program. Any current student or new student transferring to Blessed Sacrament who decides to play after the last registration date will be included only if team roster spots and leagues remain available. A late fee will not be charged to a student who is recruited to help out a team in need of players.

A child who is a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament and is home schooled may participate only if he/she has a sibling who is currently enrolled at Blessed Sacrament School and is also accepted by the particular school who is running the league.

Team Composition

Every attempt will be made to keep the number of players per team to a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 10. Recognize that there may be exceptions depending on the number of registrations.

The 4th, 5th, and 6th grade teams will be divided as equally as possible (equal talent and numbers) under the supervision of the director with assistance from the coaches from the previous year and/or the school physical education teacher.

There will be one competitive team for the 7th and 8th grades respectively, and if necessary, the remaining players divided as equally as possible under the supervision of the director and judges. These remaining players will form recreational team(s).

Selection for the competitive teams will be based on ability and performance at tryouts prior to the start of the season. Tryouts will consist of one session using at least two judges (non-school and/or non-parent), with a possible second session dependant upon the decision of the judges on an as needed basis.

If any one grade level does not have enough players to form a team, players from the next lowest grade may be invited to try out for the higher grade team. Both the parent and player will have a choice and should agree prior to placement.

The director will put forth a good faith effort to locate a coach for all teams at each grade level. However, if a coach cannot be located by the director or Boosters, parents of team members must find a coach or the team will be disbanded.

For the girls’ competitive teams, the head coach may not be a parent of one of the players unless a coach cannot be located by the director, Boosters, or parents.

Attendance

All players and coaches are expected to regularly attend both practices and games. We urge that players or parents provide the coach with 24 hours notice if you anticipate not making either a practice or a game.

Supervision

All Blessed Sacrament sports programs require the presence of two adults at each practice and game. Parents, on occasion, will need to help the coaches with this required supervision. All adults (including coaches) must be Virtus trained.

In order to ensure proper supervision, it is imperative that players be dropped off and picked up promptly before and after practices and games.

Children should not be left unattended at the gym. A parent must be present until the coach arrives. After practice the coach(es) must stay until all children are picked up by parents.

Playing Time

3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th and 8th grade recreational team players should receive as close to equal playing time and attention in games as well as practices, provided there has been an earnest effort on the players part to attend and participate in practices and games (tournaments may vary slightly). Coaches will be instructed to be fair and reasonable.

We strongly encourage that all 7th and 8th grade competitive players receive equal amounts of attention and playing time in practices. However, equal playing time in games and/or tournaments is not guaranteed but earned. Besides skill level, the players’ effort, attendance, attitude, and active participation in practice/games may also effect playing time. A coach may enforce the “not allowed to play rule” for, but not limited to, the following: poor attendance, defiance, fighting, drinking alcohol or illegal use of drugs, or poor sportsmanship by either parent or player.

Communication and Sportsmanship

We will encourage our coaches to communicate regularly with parents and players regarding player progress and development of skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, and participation. In addition, parents are encouraged to communicate with coaches. We ask you to remember that our coaches are volunteers and not paid professionals. DO NOT confront a coach with negative comments or criticism at a game or practice, especially in front of another player or parent. If you or your child are having difficulty with any particular coach, please call or email him/her in private and try to discuss any differences in a positive, professional, and adult manner. Any issue not worked out between the parent/player/coach may be directed to the volleyball director and ultimately, if necessary, to the Boosters Board.

Players, coaches, and parents are accountable for their behavior during practices and games. Blessed Sacrament players, coaches, and parents are expected to display good sportsmanship and a positive attitude toward other players, coaches, officials, and spectators. Our goal is to mold young lives, not win at all costs.